Phosphating on Differing Surfaces
Question: Is a smooth surface better for phosphating or a rough one?
Question:
Is a smooth surface better for phosphating or a rough one? We are thinking of moving to a steel media in our mass-finishing equipment instead of the ceramic media we are using now. There is no question the steel media provides for a better finish but will it affect the phosphating process negatively? T.T.
Answer:
I assume you are painting your parts following the phosphate process. In general, a rough surface is thought to be better for paint adhesion. The phosphating process should not be significantly impacted by it. The primary result of moving to the new mass-finishing media could be an increase in sludge and chemical usage in the phosphate step. This would be attributable to the increased total surface area the chemical is working on. Even though the apparent surface area is the same, the microscopic surface area could be much greater if the surface is significantly rougher. The increase in chemical usage may then also generate an increase in bath sludge. Carryover of steel media into this step could also produce the same effects.
Related Content
-
In-House Blackening of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Process satisfies customers’ shipping requirements while meeting stricter water regulations in times of drought.
-
Top 5 Areas to Consider Automation of Plating Operations
Automation for finishing operations can lead to improvements in process time, repeatability and consistency of quality. Yet, processes that make sense to explore for these operational efficiencies may not always be readily apparent.
-
Hubbard-Hall Acquires BioConversion Technology
The acquisition adds experience and biologics to the AquaPure product line.